"That's too strong, that's too strong. If you know the definition of an idiot that's different than him characterising as such," the Chelsea boss said.

"He needs to play how we like, but not going over [the edge]. He has to play as he's doing, with a lot of 'blood'. We know that, we know that, we have to accept that. We don't have to accept that he [loses] control and he knows," he added.

Chelsea are out of the Champions League and languishing in 10th place in the Premier League. Spanish fans are none too impressed with Costa's form and behaviour either, with boss Vicente Del Bosque dropping him for fitness issues and fans saying they find his behaviour unacceptable.